Last Updated on 18 May 2026 by Dave King
Brighton bin collection runs on a postcode-based schedule set by Brighton and Hove City Council. General waste is currently collected weekly for kerbside household refuse collections, while recycling is collected fortnightly. The council is exploring a possible move to fortnightly refuse collections, so check the postcode lookup for your address. Food waste is collected weekly. Garden waste is a paid subscription. This guide covers how to find your collection day, what goes in each bin, and how to deal with bulky waste, the tip, and missed collections.
Table of Contents
Quick Reference Table
| What | How often | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| General waste (black bin) | Currently weekly for kerbside household refuse collections | Council postcode lookup |
| Mixed recycling bin/box | Fortnightly | Same lookup tool |
| Food waste (caddy) | Weekly | Same lookup tool |
| Garden waste (green bin) | Fortnightly, subscription only | Sign up via MyAccount |
How to Find Your Brighton Bin Collection Day
Enter your postcode into the council’s collection day checker. It shows your exact collection days for general waste, recycling and food waste. The council also launched real-time collection updates in December 2025, so residents can track the progress of recycling, refuse, garden waste and food waste collections online.
Put your bins out by 6am on your collection day. Bring them back in once they have been emptied.
What Goes in Each Bin
Black bin (general waste): Anything that cannot be recycled. Nappies, broken ceramics, polystyrene, food-soiled packaging that cannot be rinsed, and general household rubbish.
Mixed recycling bin or box: Paper, cardboard, metal cans and tins, empty aerosols, plastic bottles, and plastic pots, tubs and trays. Glass bottles and jars go in a black glass recycling box or local communal glass recycling bin. Rinse everything, flatten cardboard, and keep items loose. Do not bag your recycling in plastic bags. If a load is contaminated, the whole thing gets rejected.
Food waste caddy: All cooked and uncooked food, tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, fruit and vegetable peelings. The council provides a 5-litre kitchen caddy and compostable liners. Food waste collections were rolled out across the whole city by March 2026.
Green bin (garden waste): Grass cuttings, leaves, hedge trimmings, small branches, weeds, fruit and vegetable peelings. Subscription only. No bags or liners inside the bin.
For a more detailed breakdown of what can and cannot go in your recycling bins, see our separate guide.
Garden Waste Subscription
Garden waste collection costs £102 per year per bin. You can have up to three bins. Sign up or renew through your MyAccount on the council website. Collections are fortnightly. If you cancel, email garden.waste@brighton-hove.gov.uk. The subscription is non-refundable after 14 days.
If you do not want to subscribe, you can compost at home or take garden waste to either of the two household waste recycling sites.
Bulky Waste Collection
The council collects bulky items like furniture, mattresses and large appliances. Bulky waste prices were reduced from 1 April 2026 and now start at £25 for one item. Phone 01273 292 929 to book, Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 1:30pm. Expect a wait of three to four weeks at busy times.
From 1 April 2026, sofas and armchairs are collected separately from other bulky waste due to changes in UK Persistent Organic Pollutants regulations.
If your item is in good condition, the council may recycle or reuse it for free. Organisations like Emmaus Brighton also accept donations of furniture.
Household Waste Recycling Sites (The Tip)
Brighton and Hove has two tips:
Hove: Off Old Shoreham Road, BN3 7AE, between Aldrington Avenue and Leighton Road.
Brighton: Wilson Avenue, BN2 5PA, Whitehawk.
Cars do not need an appointment. If you are in a van or commercial vehicle, you need photo ID and proof of a Brighton and Hove address. Hired vans must show the rental agreement. Neither site accepts commercial or trade waste.
Both sites accept general waste, recyclables, garden waste, electricals, batteries, textiles, furniture, timber, cooking oil, car batteries and engine oil. The Hove site also accepts asbestos (double-wrapped in plastic, with two forms of ID). The Brighton site does not accept asbestos.
Check the council’s HWRC page for current opening times before you go. Gates may close up to 45 minutes before the published closing time to clear queuing vehicles.
Missed Collections
If your bin was not collected, check whether your neighbours were also missed. Brighton bin collection now includes real-time tracking, so the council’s system shows whether your street has been completed. Report a missed collection through the council website. Keep your waste sealed and stored securely until the next collection or until the council arranges a return visit.
Reporting Fly-Tipping
Report fly-tipping through the council’s online form. Include the exact location, photos of the waste, and any details about vehicles involved. The council will assess, clear and investigate where possible.
FAQs
When is my Brighton bin collection day?
Use the council’s postcode lookup tool to check your exact collection days. General waste is currently collected weekly for kerbside household refuse collections, recycling is fortnightly, food waste is weekly, and garden waste is fortnightly if you have a subscription.
How much does garden waste collection cost in Brighton?
£102 per year per bin. You can have up to three bins. Sign up through MyAccount on the council website.
How do I get rid of a sofa or mattress in Brighton?
Phone the council’s bulky waste service on 01273 292 929 to book a collection. Prices start at £25 for one item, but check the council’s current bulky waste prices when booking because sofas and armchairs have separate charges. You can also take items to the tip at Hove (BN3 7AE) or Brighton (BN2 5PA) for free.
Where is the tip in Brighton?
There are two. The Hove site is off Old Shoreham Road, BN3 7AE. The Brighton site is on Wilson Avenue, BN2 5PA, in Whitehawk. Cars do not need an appointment. Vans need ID and proof of address.
Can I track my bin collection in Brighton?
Yes. The council launched real-time collection tracking in December 2025 through MyAccount. You can see when your street has been collected and whether any collections have been missed.
What happens if my bin is not collected?
Check the council’s real-time tracking to see if your street was completed. If it was missed, report it through the council website. Keep your waste sealed and stored securely until the next collection.
Final Thoughts
Brighton bin collection is straightforward once you know your schedule. Use the council’s postcode lookup to find your days, put bins out by 6am, and keep recycling clean and loose. Garden waste is £102 a year, bulky waste prices start at £25, and both tips are free for cars. If you are new to Brighton or renting, check your Brighton bin collection day as soon as you move in. It saves hassle later.
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